300 2.8 carrying options

[graham catley]

I have a Lowepro Nature trecker which accomodates my 1DMkII and 300 2.8 with hood attached BUT the bag itself weighs a ton and it is so bulky with the waist straps etc I was looking for something with less bulk, padding and weight which may hold the combo with the hood still attached as it is obviously a faf about to have to take it off and put it back on all the time. Anyone come across such a bit of carrying kit?

[Adrian D]

Hi Graham,

I also have the 300mm f2.8 and I use the Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic. It enables me to carry the lens with the hood attached, a Canon 2x converter and a 5D all assembled and ready for use.

There is also room for me to carry a 20D body, EF24-105mm and a 70-300mm, although this does make the bag a tad on the heavy side.

I may be wrong but I think the nature trekker is around 4kgs nett and the photo trekker about 3.5kgs, so there is not a lot in it but the photo trekker does allow you to carry the lens , hood and body assembled and ready to go.

It works for me anyway. All told, my bag weighs around 10-11kgs which is pretty heavy for any long distance hikes, but I do have everything with me.

Hope this helps,

Regards,
Adrian

[Malcolm Stewart]

I have a Lowepro Nature trecker which accomodates my 1DMkII and 300 2.8 with hood attached BUT the bag itself weighs a ton and it is so bulky with the waist straps etc I was looking for something with less bulk, padding and weight which may hold the combo with the hood still attached as it is obviously a faf about to have to take it off and put it back on all the time. Anyone come across such a bit of carrying kit?
I've carried my 300 f2.8L in my Mini trekker with 30D attached, but normally I'll have my Benbo MkI and Manfrotto #393 head to worry about as well. Having tried hand carrying the Benbo a fair distance, I found my arm muscles etc. were knackered, and it took some time at my chosen venue before I was functioning properly again! (It's an age and general unfitness thing.)
I now use a wheeled trolley for the tripod only. I did use this for transporting the lens as well, but discovered that my super sharp lens was front focusing quite severely. Managed to get it fixed, and now carry it in the Mini trekker to isolate it from the inevitable vibration from the trolley wheels on gravel and reserve board-walks!

[Dean Eades]

If you need something waterproof, get the DZ 200. If you need the ultimate protection against a really vicious environment...get the DZ 200. I should mention the DZ 200 is also great for non-aquatic adventures. If you ever take any trips out to the desert or places where winds can stir up some dust, I would consider this pack as well. Another place to consider using the DZ 200 with, is for high-altitude hiking. Remember moisture can easily accumulate on your equipment, if it's not sealed from the environment. And camping overnight will make this situation worse. The DZ 200, since it is waterproof, can protect your equipment from many other problematic encounters besides water.

Note: The DryZone 200

And if you drop it in a lake etc it will float, Superb bag for all your needs:clap:

[NickRno77]

Hi Graham,

Andy Bright went through this one, have a look at the following thread on WPF I think Andy went with my solution "Nikon Lens Case CL-L2 and cutting off the Nikon badge".

http://www.worldphotographyforum.com/showthread.php?t=993

Cheers

[graham catley]

DZ200 looks scarily yellow in parts and needs lens hood reversed which I am trying to avoid